The Pecos Eagles have been grounded the past few seasons, a prolific running attack spearheading their offense.
Last season, running back Ezekiel Saldana finished with 253 carries for 2,149 yards and 26 touchdowns, all single-season school records.
But the Eagles missed out on the playoffs after an 0-4 run through district and a coaching change was made in January. Scott Williams, a veteran of 30 decades of patrolling the sidelines, was hired from LaMarque and joined the program in February. He’s ready to put the Eagles back in the air.
“Pecos has been running the ball and we are going to be a shotgun, spread team,” Williams said. “I don’t think they’ve really thrown the ball since Coach (Chris) Henson was here. “That’s a part of the learning curve for us. Guys who have been in a slot offense, they are learning and one of the deals is who is going to step up.”
Williams has tabbed sophomore Colt Salgado to take the reins, a risky step some might say as Williams tries to establish his offense.
But Salgado was the district’s Freshman of the Year in baseball in the spring and the head coach is confident in his abilities. Also, his poise and maturity.
“He played a little quarterback last year,” Williams said. “He’s been in varsity competition, but football’s a little bit difference. “Colt’s not overwhelmed with the pressure and responsibilities of the varsity game. What I like about him, he’s a sponge, he’s a coachable kid and he puts the ball on the body.”
That last statement will be key to the Eagles’ success during the transition as they search for players who have been asked to block downfield in the past and now will be needed to stretch defenses.
And they are going to have to be in shape as the majority of players will be playing both sides of the football.
Jonathan Sandoval and Rudy Quintana will be two of the main targets for Salgado.
“They are skill players on both sides,” Williams said. “They are learning how to run routes.”
Defensively, the Eagles will look to linemen Gage Strain and Carlos Ramirez to set the tone. Pecos isn’t changing its defensive look, staying with a 4-2-5 set, but will be using some different terminology.
“Can’t expect to have success without a strong offensive and defensive line,” Williams said. “We did a pretty good job the last two weeks in our scrimmages inside the tackle box.
“The players are excited. We have about 80 kids out and still have some that are coming up and asking if they can play; we’re not turning anybody away.”
Another thing that has the program excited is the new stadium the Eagles will christen against Seminole on Sept. 23.
That will be the fourth game of the season for Pecos, which has an open week this week after scheduling issues during realignment.
Williams is grateful for the extra week to learn.
“We are going to use this week to go back through the fundamentals,” he said. “Take it slow this week, be detail oriented during practice.
“Every time we had the football in the scrimmages, we go to the red zone, but couldn’t finish. That’s something we need to work on and improve.”
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PECOS EAGLES
— COACHES —
>> Head coach: Scott Williams
>> Coach’s overall record: 0-0.
>> Coach’s record at school: 0-0.
>> Assistant coaches, duties: Ken Williams, assistant head coach/RB; Connor Heath, offensive coordinator/QB; Zach Kanipes, defensive coordinator/DB; Armando Martinez, special teams coordinator/LB; Derek Price, offensive line; Jeff Stokes, wide receivers; Michael Gotschal, defensive line.
— TEAM INFORMATION —
>> 2021 overall record: 4-6.
>> 2021 district record: 0-4 (Fifth).
>> Last district title: N/A.
>> Last playoff appearance: 2019.
>> Stadium name: Rotary Field at Eagle Stadium (4,000).
>> Base offense: Spread.
>> Base defense: 4-2-5.
— PLAYERS —
>> Returning lettermen: 28.
>> Returning starters: 13 (6 offense, 7 defense).
>> Key returners: Gage Strain, Sr., 6-0, 245, OL/DL; Johnny Morales, 5-8, 175, Sr., RB; Ryan Villanueva, 6-2, 215, Sr., HB/DE; David Madrid, 5-10, 210, Sr., LB; Rudy Quintela, 5-10,1 70, Jr., DB/WR; Jonathan Sandoval, 5-10, 170, Jr., DB/WR; Carlos Ramirez, 6-0, 280, Jr., OL/DL: Colt Salgado, 5-10, 165, Soph., QB.
>> Key newcomers: N/A.
